Λάμεχ
Lámech
G2984 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Lamech, a personal name; specifically refers to two distinct individuals in ancient Israelite genealogies—one from the lineage of Cain and the other from the lineage of Seth, each characterized by their narrative roles within the early genealogies of Genesis. The name functions as a proper noun and does not carry independent lexical meaning beyond its designation as a personal name.
Semantic Range
a personal name in genealogical lists; the figure described as a descendant of Cain; the figure described as the father of Noah
Root / Etymology
Borrowed into Greek from Hebrew לֶמֶךְ (Lemekh). The etymology of the Hebrew name is uncertain and no definitive meaning has been established in Semitic linguistics. The name is formed as a personal masculine proper noun.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Λάμεχ is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew לֶמֶךְ. In the Septuagint, it appears in Genesis 4–5, referring to two ancestral figures: (1) a descendant of Cain (Genesis 4:18–24), known for his poetic speech regarding vengeance; and (2) a descendant of Seth through Methuselah and the father of Noah (Genesis 5:25–31). The use of the term in Greek writings is strictly as a proper name and not as a common noun or adjective, and it does not carry additional meaning beyond its function as a personal identifier. The name is not found outside biblical genealogical contexts in classical or Koine Greek. English translations universally represent Λάμεχ as "Lamech," but the historical and narrative context (particularly differing portrayals of the two individuals) is not always apparent in translation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Hebrew origin (לֶמֶךְ); Lamech (i.e. Lemek), a patriarch:--Lamech.
Root Family
Λαμεχ- (Lámech) — personal name, proper noun
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2984-01 |
Λάμεχ | lamech | N GEN M SG |
Lamech | of Lamech | Lamech | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2984-01 |
Luke 3:36 | Λάμεχ | lamech | N GEN M SG |
Lamech | of Lamech | Lamech |